Politics, schmolitics...where's my Leffe?

[undercover1]

from Reuters online today...

Belgians cancel Iranian lunch in alcohol row
Brussels July 1, 2005 - 9:16AM

A lunch meeting between a leading parliamentarian in Belgium and counterparts from Iran has been cancelled because the beer-loving Belgian could not stomach a ban on alcohol. "Even for the tolerant Herman De Croo, that was a bridge too far," De Croo, a Dutch-speaking Liberal, told De Standaard daily on Thursday.
De Croo, president of parliament's lower house, had been due to entertain the speaker and members of the Iranian parliament on Friday during their visit to Belgium -- famous for its diversity of beer brands.
But he said lunch had been cancelled because the Iranians, who as Muslims do not drink alcohol, wanted their hosts to do the same.
"I did not receive such demands in writing. But ... I was indirectly asked not to serve alcohol," said De Croo.

The visit ran into further trouble after Iran's parliament speaker Gholamali Haddadadel insisted he would not shake hands with the female president of Belgium's Senate. Anne-Marie Lizin, a Socialist, then cancelled their meeting. She said in a statement that Iranians should respect local customs in Belgium, just as Belgians should in Iran.


Salut!

[gregb]

Iran's parliament speaker Gholamali Haddadadel

Can you imagine trying to say a name like that when you pissed?

Greg.

Politically correct as ever....